MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Office of the Chief Operating Officer Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Guidelines for High Schools

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1 MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Office of the Chief Operating Officer Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Guidelines for High Schools Purpose: To provide guidance in the management and administration of a high school AED program for the treatment of victims over the age of one year who experience sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). This guidance also includes treatment of children between one and eight years of age or under 55 pounds (by providing a special additional set of pads with each AED for this age group). AEDs will be available for use at high schools and at high school-sponsored athletic events when a person is suspected of having a sudden cardiac arrest event. o SCA is defined as the sudden cessation of cardiac activity so that the victim becomes unresponsive with no normal breathing and has no signs of circulation (movement, coughing, and pulse). o Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a condition that occurs when electrical impulses of the human heart malfunction causing a disturbance in the heart s electrical rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VF). This erratic and ineffective electrical heart rhythm causes complete cessation of the heart s normal function of pumping blood, resulting in sudden death. The most effective treatment for this condition is Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the administration of an electrical shock to the heart by a defibrillator, delivered within a short time of the onset of VF. o An AED is used to treat victims who experience SCA. It only is to be applied to a victim who is unconscious, without pulse, and without signs of circulation (movement, coughing, and pulse) and normal breathing. If a shockable rhythm is detected, the AED will charge to the appropriate energy level and advise everyone to stand clear. During this time, make sure no one touches the victim as the unit will charge and deliver the shock automatically. The bystanders then will be advised to start CPR. Mr. Peter Park, team leader, Systemwide Safety Programs, is the contact person for the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) AED program, and he can be reached at Your school AED contact is your athletic director. CPR/AED Training: School athletic directors and coaches, including school-based security staff have received or received recertification (retraining) in American Heart Association (AHA) Heartsaver CPR/AED for adult and children for the school year. This training will be given every two years in accordance with AHA guidelines. Trained employees must complete training designed by MCPS to adequately provide CPR and AED assistance. AED training must be a course approved by the state of Maryland. Trained employees also will be trained in universal precautions against bloodborne pathogens. The trained employees shall be offered hepatitis B vaccination free of charge.

2 2 Staff in the school office shall maintain training records for the trained employees. This AED program also includes the treatment of children less than eight years of age or under 55 pounds. AED-trained employees will refresh AED skills every six months using computer-based training. Each AED-trained employee will have access to the AED CD training software. Every six months, each trained employee will perform a three-scenario test that will be reviewed by the principal s designee. (Record document attached.) Program Supervision: Supervision of the high school AED program is the responsibility of the principal. Mr. Park is available to provide assistance and will maintain oversight for compliance with MCPS guidelines. Athletic directors have been identified as the individual school-based AED contact. The Athletics Unit will provide assistance to athletic directors at each high school. Dr. William (Duke) Beattie, director, Systemwide Athletics, , will coordinate with athletic directors regarding CPR and AED recertification/retraining for the school year. The Athletics Unit will coordinate the stipend CPR/AED instructor training for each high school. Systemwide Athletics Responsibilities: Select employees for AED training and distribution of AED-trained staff lists as required. Coordinate training for school emergency responders (coaches, etc.). Coordinate recertification/retraining of AHA CPR/AED training every two years. Coordinate and obtain equipment and accessory maintenance (battery replacements, pads/electrodes replacement). Systemwide Safety Programs, Department of Facilities Management Responsibilities: Maintain on file a specifications/technical information sheet for each approved AED model assigned to the school. Revise this guideline as required. Monitor the effectiveness of the program. Communicate with the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) medical director and MCFRS AED manager on issues related to medical emergency response program including post-event reviews. School Responsibilities: The school staff is responsible for o receiving emergency medical calls during school-sponsored athletic events (including field activities); o contacting 911 immediately if this has not been done by the responders; o ensuring AED-trained employees are available for all school-sponsored athletic events;

3 3 o assigning someone to meet responding public safety/emergency vehicle and direct Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel to the site of the medical emergency; o completing and maintaining the AED Weekly Safety Inspection Report (attached) see Page 5, Routine Maintenance, second and third bullets; o reporting equipment maintenance issues to the team leader, Systemwide Safety Programs; o ensuring CPR/AED training and refresher training is administered; and o contacting the team leader, Systemwide Safety Programs, immediately after an AED is used. AED Trained Employee Responsibilities: Call 911 or direct someone to call 911 and give the location in building or on campus where event is occurring when someone is found unconscious and unresponsive. Activate internal emergency response system and provide prompt basic life support including CPR and use of the AED according to training and experience. Understand and comply with these guidelines. Volunteer Responder Responsibilities: Anyone can, at their discretion, provide voluntary assistance to victims of medical emergencies. The extent to which these individuals respond shall be appropriate to their training and experience. These responders are encouraged to contribute to emergency response only to the extent they are comfortable. The emergency medical response of these individuals may include CPR, AED, or first aid. AED Users: Use of an AED should be limited to a trained individual who has successfully completed an approved CPR/AED training program within the last two years and has a current successful course completion card, if possible. However, it is acceptable for an AED to be used by any individual that wishes to attempt to utilize the equipment when a SCA event occurs and no trained individuals are available. Applicable Documents: MCPS AED guidelines for high schools MCPS bloodborne pathogens infection control procedure for universal precautions Maryland COMAR Regulation and the Good Samaritan immunity law from liability exclusion

4 4 Medical Control: The medical director of the AED program is Roger M. Stone, M.D. The medical director of the AED program has ongoing responsibility for: o providing medical direction for use of AEDs, o writing a prescription for AEDs, o reviewing and approving guidelines for emergency procedures related to use of AEDs and CPR program, and o evaluation of post-event review forms and digital files downloaded from the AED. Equipment: Approved Equipment: o The Medtronic LIFEPAK CR+ Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been approved for this program. The AED conforms to federal, state, and county standards. o The AED and a first aid emergency care kit, if available, will be brought to all medical emergencies. o Each AED will have one set of defibrillation electrodes connected to the device and one spare set of electrodes with the AED. One resuscitation kit will be connected to the strap of the AED. This kit contains two pairs of latex-free gloves, one razor, one set of trauma shears, and one facemask barrier device. Also connected to the strap is the Infant/Child Reduced Energy Defibrillation Electrode Kit. o A first aid emergency care kit is approved. When to Use AED: The AED should be used on any person who displays all of the symptoms of cardiac arrest. The AED should be turned on and the pads applied to the victim only after the following symptoms are confirmed: o Victim is unresponsive o Victim is not breathing or is breathing ineffectively o Victim has no signs of circulation, such as movement, coughing, or having a pulse Treatment of Children One through Eight Years Old or Under 55 Pounds: For victims in this age range experiencing SCA use the AED Infant/Child Reduced Energy Defibrillation Electrode Kit (includes one pair of electrodes, storage pouch, and appropriate safety instructions and labels with each AED).

5 5 Location of AED: During school hours, the AED will be at designated locations. These locations shall be specific to each school but should allow the device to be seen easily by staff. The locations should allow staff members to retrieve the device outside of normal school hours. After school hours, athletic coaches will be assigned portable AEDs by the athletic director for use at practices and at school-sponsored games. Contracted and other community activities are not guaranteed access to the AED as part of the standard rental contracts. Location of AEDs at High School: o Fixed AED Units: Outside main gymnasium in hallway and in concession stand by the stadium o Portable AED Units: Athletic director s office (assigned to coaches directly as follows): Coach: Location: (field) Coach: Location: Coach: Location: Equipment Maintenance: All equipment and accessories necessary for support of medical emergency response shall be maintained in a state of readiness. Specific maintenance requirements include: o The main school office shall be informed of changes in availability of emergency response equipment. If equipment is withdrawn from service, the main school office shall be informed and then notified when equipment is returned to service. o The main school office shall be responsible for informing response teams of changes in availability of emergency medical equipment. o The school athletic director shall be responsible for having regular equipment maintenance performed on the AEDs assigned to the school. All equipment maintenance tasks shall be performed according to equipment maintenance procedures, as outlined in the operating instructions. o Following use of emergency response equipment, all equipment shall be cleaned and/or decontaminated as required. If contamination includes body fluids, the equipment shall be disinfected in accordance with MCPS Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan using universal precautions and a 1:10 bleach solution. Routine Maintenance: The AED will perform a self-diagnostic test every 24 hours that includes a check of the battery strength and an evaluation of the internal components. For portable AEDs, the athletic director or designee will perform a weekly AED check following the procedures checklist (separate attachment). The procedure checklist will be initialed at the completion of the weekly check. The procedure checklist will be posted with the AED.

6 6 For wall-mounted AED units (located by the gymnasium and in the concession stand), school-based security staff will perform a weekly AED check following the procedures checklist. The procedure checklist will be initialed at the completion of the weekly check. The procedures checklist will be posted with the AED. When performing the weekly inspection, any electrode within 30 days of its expiration date should be reported to the director of Systemwide Athletics at If the OK icon is NOT present on the readiness display, contact the director of Systemwide Athletics at immediately. If the battery icon is visible, this is an indication that the battery or CHARGE-PAK charging unit needs to be replaced. The AED unit can remain in service; however, this should be reported immediately to the director of Systemwide Athletics at for a replacement unit. If the wrench icon is visible, the AED needs service. When this occurs, attempt to use the AED. If the message CALL SERVICE appears, the AED is not usable. This should be reported immediately to the director of Systemwide Athletics at If an AED fails to operate during an emergency event, continue to provide CPR until another AED is brought to the victim or EMS arrives. Medical Response Documentation: Internal Post-Event Documentation: It is important to document each use of the medical emergency response system (AED). The following forms shall be sent to Mr. Peter Park, team leader, Systemwide Safety Programs, via the Pony to 45 W. Gude Drive, Suite 4000, or to be faxed to within 24 hours. o A serious incident report shall be completed (called in to the Office of School Support and Improvement) when CPR and/or AED was used. o The AED-trained employee or volunteer responder shall complete a medical event form (9-1-1 form) whenever the AED is used. External Post-Event Documentation: A copy of AED use information shall be presented within 48 hours of the emergency to the following: o MCPS AED program coordinator (Systemwide Safety Programs team leader) o Medical Director of the AED program o MCFRS AED Manager, Lt. Rob Tobin, as designated in state and local regulations

7 7 Post-Event Review: Following each deployment of the response team member, or if a volunteer responder uses an AED, a review shall be conducted to learn from the experience. The AED program coordinator (team leaders) or the athletic director shall conduct and document the post-event review. All key participants in the event shall participate in the review. Included in the review shall be the identification of actions that went well and the collection of opportunities for improvement as well as critical incident stress debriefing. A summary of the post-event review shall be sent to the AED coordinator (team leader of Systemwide Safety Programs). The team leader of Systemwide Safety Programs shall maintain a copy of the post-event review summary in accordance with applicable record retention regulations. System Verification and Review: The medical emergency response system is ultimately successful if necessary medical assistance is provided to victims in a timely and safe manner. Since actual use of the system guidelines is expected to be infrequent, other measures of effectiveness are required. Training with the AED CD training software is required every six months. Annual System Assessment: Once each calendar year, the AED program coordinator shall conduct and document a system readiness review. This review shall include review of the following elements: o Training records o Equipment operation and maintenance records Approvals MCFRS AED Coordinator: Name: Capt. John Feissner Signature: Date: Medical Director: Name (print) Signature: Date: MCPS AED Coordinator: Name: Peter Park Signature: Date: Updated July 2013